Anna St. Ives | Page 5

system of education; after which
man has nothing more to learn, except to get and to hoard money. Had
it not been for the few books I bought and the many I borrowed,
together with the essential instruction which thy excellent father's
learning and philanthropy enabled and induced him to give me, I
should probably have been as illiterate as he could have wished. A son
after his own heart! One of his most frequent and most passionate
reproaches is 'the time I waste in reading.'
I scarcely need tell thee he was almost in a rage, at my request to
accompany Sir Arthur to France; stating, as I did, that it ought to be and
must be at his expence. Otherwise he cares but little where I go, being
rather regarded by him as a spy on his actions than as his son. Thou
canst not conceive the contempt with which he treats me, for my want
of cunning. He despises my sense of philanthropy, honour, and that
severe probity to which no laws extend. He spurns at the possibility of
preferring the good of society to the good of self--But, once again, he is
my father.
Prithee lend me thy Petrarch, and send it in return by Thomas. I had
nothing to say, though I have written so much, except to ask for this
book, and to burden thee with my complaints. Remember me kindly to
thy most worthy father, and all the family. Thine,
F. HENLEY

LETTER IV
_Anna Wenbourne St. Ives to Louisa Clifton_
_London, Grosvenor Street_
Oh, Louisa! I have such a narrative! Such accidents! Such--! But you
shall hear.
We are arrived; and, thank God and good fortune, are all alive; which,
every thing considered, is no small consolation. The chaise was at the
door punctually at five on Thursday morning. Abimelech Henley had
been very busy with Sir Arthur over night; and was in close conference
with him again previous to our departure.
Frank too was there, as disconsolate and as attentive as ever; active and
watchful that every thing was as it should be. How the difference
between soul and soul discovers itself in such scenes! I very much fear
his father treats him unkindly, and that he grieves more than he ought;
nay more than a person of his youth, strong form, and still stronger
mind, could be supposed to grieve. I understand he very much laments
the loss of a college education, which the miser his father could very
well have bestowed upon him, had not his heart been as contracted as
the mouth of his purse.
Mr. Trenchard, luckily for Frank, early discovered his genius, and
gratuitously aided him in his studies. Frank reveres him as a more than
father, and loves his son Oliver like a brother. He is but too sensible
that a true father feeds the mind, and that he who only provides for the
body is no better than a step-father. I have some fear that there is
another cause for his dissatisfaction, and that he has cherished some
silly thoughts of an impossible nature. If so, an effort must be made
which I hope will restore him to reason. And yet what right have I to
conclude that he reasons erroneously? Have I sufficiently examined?
This is a question which has several times lately forced itself upon my
mind. I am not insensible of his high worth: it opens upon me daily.
What I am going to relate will picture that worth better than any praise
of mine. I will therefore continue my narrative.
Every thing being adjusted, off we went; I, Laura, and Sir Arthur, in the
chaise, and one footman only with us, who was to ride before as our
courier, and prepare horses.
I told you of my intention to take King Pepin with me; but the morning
of our departure was all hurry, and it seldom happens that something is

not forgotten, amid the tumult into which the passions seem to plunge
as it were with delight, gratified with the confusion which themselves
create. I must own I was vexed and offended with myself, when I found
that the something overlooked on this occasion was the gift of my
Louisa. Ingratitude with all its reproaches rose up to sting me; and I
immediately resolved to punish myself, by informing my Louisa how
unworthy I am of the gifts of such a friend. It was at the first stage
where we changed horses that I made this discovery. One moment I
was inclined to petition Sir Arthur to stay, while a messenger should be
sent; but the next I determined that my fault should incur its due pains
and penalties.
Every thing was ready; but just as we had seated ourselves in the